Tires - Steering Problems/Lead/Wander

83chrysler4

Models


All Domestic With Radial Tires


Subject


Steering Problems, Tire Lead


Index

WHEELS & TIRES

Date

June 13, 1983


No.

22-02-83


P-1961-C
This Technical Service Bulletin revises the procedure outlined in Technical Service Bulletin #22-02-80..

The majority of vehicle wander or lead conditions are tire related and can easily be corrected by relocating the four tires on the vehicle by cross switching and/or rotating.

*Front end alignment in most cases will not correct lead conditions. Front end alignment is only recommended after tire cross switching has been ineffective in correcting a lead condition.

Lateral pull forces exist in all radial ply tires. These forces are normally small and tend to pull in opposite directions, thus cancelling each other; but when these forces are toward the maximum allowable limit and in the same direction, a vehicle wander or lead may result. The amount of force required to cause a vehicle to lead will vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Only front tire position will effect vehicle lead. The rear has no effect. This is true for both front wheel and rear wheel drive vehicles.

ATTACHMENT:

If a vehicle leads to one side consistently, cross switching the front tires will most likely correct the problem or at least assist in diagnosing its origin. *If cross switching the front tires causes a lead in the opposite direction, switch the front tires to the rear as shown in the attached diagnostic chart.
If the vehicle lead is still evident, cross switch the tires which are now on the front. Only after this procedure has been followed should wheel alignment be performed if a lead condition still exists.

It is permissible and, in some cases, required to rotate radial tires to the opposite side of the vehicle to correct a lead condition. This was not recommended in the past, as there was a chance of introducing a lead condition where none existed before.

Lead conditions must be evaluated on a smooth, level, straight road (no crown) with minimum crosswinds, at a steady speed without acceleration. Use the attached chart to diagnose radial tire lead.


POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty


TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No. Refer to Labor Operation Time Schedule
for time and operation number (Group 1 - Adjustments).